Open Access

REVIEW

Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of Nitrogen Assimilation in C₃ Plants under Abiotic Stress: A Mini Review

Saif Ullah^1,2, Izhar Ali^1,2,*

1 State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture & College of Environment and Resources, College of Carbon Neutrality, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
2 Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory for Cultivation and Utilization of Subtropical Forest Plantation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China

* Corresponding Authors: Izhar Ali. Email: ,

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Metabolic Mechanisms of Plant Responses to Stress)

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2025, 94(4), 1029-1045. https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2025.064608

Received 19 February 2025; Accepted 03 April 2025; Issue published 30 April 2025

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) assimilation is crucial for the growth and development of C₃ plants, as it converts inorganic N into organic forms, important for protein synthesis, nucleic acids and other vital biomolecules. However, abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures and others significantly impact N uptake and utilization, thereby hindering plant growth and development. Recent advances in molecular biology have illuminated the complex networks that govern N assimilation under these stressful conditions, emphasizing the role of transcription factors, regulatory genes, and stress-responsive pathways. This review provides an integrated perspective on the latest research in nitrogen metabolism under abiotic stress, focusing on the intricate regulatory mechanisms involving gene expression, signaling pathways, and enzymes that modulate N uptake and assimilation. Specifically, it highlights the recent findings on how hormones, reactive oxygen species production, N metabolism and calcium signaling are regulated under stress conditions. In addition, recent advancements in genomics and transcriptomics have further clarified the dynamic regulation of genes linked to N absorption and other metabolic processes. Understanding these mechanisms is important for developing strategies to enhance the N use efficiency and stress tolerance in C₃ crops, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. Future research should focus on exploring the genetic and molecular bases of N metabolism in relation to abiotic stress, with the ultimate goal of enhancing crop performance in challenging environments.

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Keywords

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